Merck makes large investments in Korea’s science tech

...will fully support research and talent development

Has been supporting domestic academic societies and excellent scientists for over 20 years

Has been dedicated to talent development in Korea in partnership with SNUH, JBNU, SKKU, etc.

Issued a special feature on Koreans in its scientific journal... globally introduces Korea’s research achievements

With President Suk Yeol Yoon prioritizing fostering talent in science and technology as the government’s key task, one global company has attracted attention for being committed to strengthening domestic talent in science and technology in Korea.

 

According to industry sources on the 31st, Merck Life Sciences, a global life science company, has long been investing in Korea’s science and technology through awards, researchers and academic society support, and talent development programs.

 

Science and technology directly translate to national competitiveness.

 

This is why countries around the world make efforts to further their competitiveness in science and technology.

 

The US Biden administration emphasized that the development of science and technology will become a 'game changer' in the field of healthcare, and the medical and pharmaceutical industry will become indispensable for national security over the next 10 years.

 

The Korean government has also been prioritizing science and technology in all its policies.

 

At a recent meeting with senior secretaries, President Yoon stressed that growth can only be achieved through scientific and technological innovation, saying, "science and technology are important to ensure sustainable growth of the country." President Yoon also emphasized the importance of science and technology in the past, saying, "This is an era where science and technology are directly linked not only to the nation's future but our survival.” Merck Life Science has shown interest in strengthening Korea’s science and technology from early on.

 

It has been supporting the research of Korean scientists for over 20 years and striving to cultivate pharmaceutical and bio talent with leading universities in Korea.

 

This is a rare case where a global company has taken the initiative to invest in the development of science and technology in Korea.

 

◆Full support to foster talents that will lead the development of science and technology in the future

SNUH Bio-day

Specifically, the company signed an academic-industry cooperation and exchange agreement with the Jeonbuk National University College of Pharmacy in 2020.

 

Through the program, Merck provided support for scholarships and mentoring, business development to establish a safe laboratory environment, to foster industry leaders and life-respecting pharmaceutical care experts.

 

The company also supported human and material resources necessary for the research and development of new bio drugs.

 

Since 2021, at Sungkyunkwan University’s Institute of Quantum Biophysics, the company has been collaborating with the school, cooperating in the research and development of diagnosis and disease treatments based on quantum biophysical theory and phenomena.

 

For this, the company has been providing seminars and training programs for knowledge and information exchange, as well as scholarship support and internship programs to procure talent in the life sciences sector.

 

Also, the company has provided opportunities for students to experience the industry and provided information on the pharmaceutical and bio industry.

 

Last year, Merck Life Science participated in the ‘SNU Bio-Day’ hosted by Seoul National University’s Bio-MAX Institute and introduced how the technology of the global company Merck is applied in the field to derive scientific results.

 

Also, the company hosted a field trip to Merck Life Science’s Custom Synthesis Lab as part of the Kiuri Project workshop program run by Seoul National University’s Bio-MAX Institute.

 

◆Has awarded outstanding scientists in Korea for 20 years...promoting active research Also, the company has been supporting the research activities of scientists in Korea in partnership with prestigious academic societies in Korea through awards.

 

The Sigma-Aldrich Chemist Award that Merck Life Science held with the Korean Chemical Society has celebrated its 20th year this year.

 

The award is given every year to 2 chemists with outstanding research achievements and outstanding creativity in the field of chemistry.

 

This traditional award has a long history and has been given even before the merger of Merck and Sigma Aldrich.

 

The award is presented every year at KCA’s regular autumn conference.

 

Merck

The ‘350 Future Researcher Award’ was co-established by Merck and the Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology in celebration of Merck’s 350th anniversary in 2018 to continue supporting research for the next-generation bio-industry.

 

Every year, three first authors (research professors) and postdoctoral researchers that performed outstanding research achievements related to molecular cell biology are selected for the award.

 

The award ceremony is held at the Autumn Conference of the Korean Molecular Cell Biology Association, with lectures by the awardees.

 

For objectivity and transparency, candidates are nominated by regular members of KSMCB, and the awardee is selected through a strict review by the Academic Research Award Committee, without any involvement on Merck Life Science’s part.

 

◆Merck’s science journal issued a special feature on Korea...shed light on domestic science and technology research

Korean Scientist Feature of Material Matters, Merck

Merck’s interest in Korean science and technology research can also be seen in its scientific journal.

 

Recently, in its global science journal ‘Material Matters,’ Merck issued a special feature on Korean scientists, introducing 4 renowned professors in Korea and their research Material Matters is a scientific journal prepared to provide information on material science and nanotechnology necessary for scientific research.

 

The journal reviews technologies and their applications by world scholars on a specific subject, and is distributed to research institutes around the world.

 

Korea’s special edition of Material Matters featured:▲Seoul National University Professor Yung-Eun Sung’s discussion on ‘PGM and PGM-free Catalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells’, ▲Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Professor Byeong-Soo Bae’s review of Sol-Gel Derived Siloxane-Encapsulated Luminescent Nanocrystal Composites for Optoelectronics and Display,’ ▲ Yonsei University Professor Woo-Dong Jang’s research on ‘Poly (2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-based Multimodal Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials,’ and ▲Yonsei University Professor Wooyoung Shim’s research on ‘Phyllosilicate Clay Minerals: Principles and Applications’